(a little peek at what Vegas looks like beyond the strip. Nothing really but desert and concrete which has been hard to get used to I have to admit! But you sure can't beat the beautiful spring type days and blue skies we've had lately.PS... Can we just pretend the bed was made in this last pic?)

Took a trip to the book store yesterday and I always get the same feeling when I walk in the children's section. First ,I dream that I will one day see a book I've illustrated displayed on the main wall - you know the one I mean. Second, how in the world am I ever going to manage that, look at all this talent!

Here were some fun discoveries...

Janee's adorable Valentine book is still on display. I would have taken a photo ,Janee, but they had an ugly 50% sticker on all the valentine books. Congratulations to Janee, she's very busy right now with a lot of fun projects. Your hard work is paying off in a big way!

Here is the second in a series of books by Lisa Kopelke about a toad learning his manners.They are a hoot! Lisa lives here in Vegas too.

I only recently discovered Lisa Schroeder's blog and it was such fun to see her book on display. (on the wall of fame I was just writing about!) Very cute book appropriate for a bedtime snuggle with your kiddos. Love the artwork with an eye catching cover don't you think?(illustrator- Viviana Garofoli)

And then I came across a couple of books that were new to me and I just fell in love with them. Do you ever visit the bookstore and jot down illustrators or authors' names and then later research everything about them that you can? Me too.

Penny IvesI just loved the concept of this story where you are given the perfect recipe for bedtime.The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Looks like pencil and watercolor, just so sweet. Wish I could show you some of the interiors.

Carolyn Jane ChurchCan't find much about her but you can find several of her books on the UK amazon rather that the US. I'm in love with how she creates her illustrations. Viewing them on line doesn't do them justice. The "dear bunny" story is a sweet love story between two shy bunnies. The illustrator incorporates such interesting papers (textured, possibly hand made) plus real pressed flowers I think! Just yummy.

I wish I could have afforded to buy all of these books but I had to temper myself!I went on a mission to buy Kate DiCamillos new one, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane". Thanks to Book Moot for posting this link to Kates interview in the NY times. Oh how I love Kate DiCamillo's "voice" and can't wait to get started on this one!

Growing up, a winter past time was working on massive puzzles with my parents. We would go to the "pic 'n save" and spend hours choosing the "perfect puzzle" with lots and LOTS of pieces.

So, when my parents came out this Christmas,we decided , hey why not, let's do a puzzle! I had forgotten what a pleasure it is to sit and mull over a complex puzzle. Mum and I would stay up til the wee hours of the morning "puzzling" and gabbing determined to get it finished before they had to go home.

I enjoyed working on this so much that the "puzzling" continues and I highly recommend it if you are looking for something to do to relax.

(Emily and I recently finished this cute puppy one.)

We start ours on a large piece of poster board on our dining table and just have it sitting there for when the mood strikes...which is usually while I'm cooking dinner or right before bedtime.

Okay, so what does this have to do with illustration? Well for me, the more I'm working on these, the more I'm thinking about how fun it would be to have puzzles out in the world with my artwork on them.

I've decided I'm going to work up some designs this year and start submitting to publishers that produce puzzles. Check out your CWIM book and you'll find several listings if you are interested in submitting your work as well. Storybook artwork is perfect for puzzles. And sitting here working on these, gives me a good sense of what works/what doesn't as far as colors and design.

Another idea ...what a fun gift a puzzle would be for family members. Imagine next year, giving your children , favorite niece and nephews a puzzle to work on that you designed!

I googled "personalized puzzles" and there are several companies out there. I think the one I'm going to try is "Positively Puzzled". Looks to be a pretty easy process. You send a high resolution jpg in the appropriate dimensions and bing bang boom..a puzzle is made. I'll let you know how it goes.

Emily and I went on a girls night out to see Celine Dion performing at Caesars Palace. WOW,what a show!

Kevin and I saw her in concert years ago when we lived in DC but this was completely different... choreographed with a wonderful cast of dancers and cool special affects. I recommend it to anyone coming to Vegas for a visit. A definite must see!

I can't believe another year is drawing to a close. Time to erase the slate and get ready for new opportunities,very exciting!

Here is how 2005 looked for me as far as work.

* Maintained a blog for one year where I have opened up and shared my journey. This in turn has resulted in an article for, "Children's Writers & Illustrators Market Book 2007" about blogging.

* Illustrated a book dear to my heart that is distributed in hospitals. "Not Afraid of Needles!"

* Found an interested NY literary agent for a board book that I have written and illustrated (Emma Felt). Fingers crossed that she finds a home this year!

* Spent 2005 with an educational rep that resulted in some near misses. Unfortunately, near misses aren't good enough so we have parted ways amicably. It was a great experience and it has resulted in contacts that I can continue to pursue on my own.

*Took Anastasia's writing course to learn more about writing for children.

* Got an assignment right before Christmas for a 4 page b&w take home book due in the New Year.

* Got an assignment from a publisher that was on my dream list...Ladybug Magazine!!!

* Most importantly the year has ended with me feeling very comfortable in my own skin and I'm not questioning my work or where I fit. This is a major achievement for myself and I can't even tell you when it happened. Ha! Yes I can if I'm honest. When I got the call from Ladybug. It was a major validation for me and what I do.

But really it wasn't just that. The last image I did of the cows for my upcoming promotion was probably the first time I actually enjoyed myself as I worked. I have reached a benchmark. I remember reading an article by cyd moore that speaks about it. In it she says,

"Begin to let go. Live and LOVE what you do. Period. Stay with it. One day, you will find your inspiration. You will give in to that perfect moment, and you will see that you are no longer trying to do it, but that you are doing it...effortlessly. When that happens, embrace it...you are an artist at that moment."

Every year I feel like there is a theme for the year that lies ahead. For 2005 the theme was "No Limits!". I wanted to be open to opportunities and soar. I never would have dreamed that a move to another state was coming to pass. Talk about being open to new opportunities!

My theme for 2006 is, "Be still, be quiet. Listen."

For the first time in 6 years of pursuing children's illustration, I have a confidence that I've never experienced and a knowing that I'm on the right track. But I need to relax, savor the journey and enjoy it. I need to take the time to listen to what my instincts are telling me and most importantly trust and not second guess every move I make. I waste so much energy this way. Not this year.

Here's wishing you all a wonderful 2006. I look forward to sharing the highs and lows with you again this year. I hope your dreams come true, and that you accomplish you goals with great success. Most importantly, when the obstacles come ...and they will, I wish you the strength to keep going and make the most of every situation.

I hope you had a great Christmas. It was wonderful in our little neck of the woods. My parents came to stay with us for a week and it went way too fast. I loved having them here and we had such a good time.

On "boxing day" (day after Christmas), we all went to the Bellagio Hotel downtown and I took some pics with my Christmas present, a digital camera that I can fit in my purse! Thank you Santa Baby!

In the main pavilion they decorate this area differently for every season. It's just glorious up close and personal.

(click on images for a larger view)

This is the Christmas tree with gigantic ornaments hanging from the glass ceiling. Below where you see red is a huge area covered completely with cranberries and bordered by poinsettias in various shades of reds and mauves. In the center are ornaments made with burgandy roses...oh the perfume! (Unfortunately my pics came out way too blurry to salvage.)

Here is a scene of mechanical penguins, so cute.

Here was my favorite area. Look at these adorable snow bears! They are covered with white carnations and the scent from them was so intense and lovely. Snow was usually blowing down and it took a while to figure out how they made it. I grabbed a couple and they were BUBBLES! Unfortunately it wasn't "snowing" when I took this pic but you can see some of it laying on the bears.

There was a fantastic water feature that "danced" to the Christmas music playing but again...awful photographer that doesn't know what she's doing was in charge.

I want everything from this store. Look at the adorable tuffet!

The Bellagiois next to Caesar's Palace. Outside in the front is where the official tree lighting with Wayne Newton takes place. I took this picture in the van as we were driving by. I'm still surprised it actually took. The tree is really pretty. It changes colors every few seconds.

I have to admit, Vegas is a very fun place to be at Christmas. All the 'busy-ness' and lights everywhere were infectious.

Yep, as other bloggers are posting their lovely christmas crafts and decorations, I'm posting the roses that are in bloom. But aren't they just glorious? About 8 rosesbushes line the sidewalk to the front door and although it has been bitterly cold here in Nevada, they are doing their best to keep budding.

It has been like pulling teeth to get myself into christmas mode. I guess because we are still surrounded by boxes and all the "to do's" with getting settled in the house. But we have done a modified decorating with tree and stockings so we're not totally bah hum bug!

Over the years I've made a stocking for all the family except for my own which was made by my mum when I was very little. I cherish it.The running joke in the house is that mine is the largest. Well duh, Of course it is!

I want to say a very big thank you to snowbear for these special additions to my christmas tree. You are just too sweet! I love them.

My parents are driving all the way from New Mexico to spend christmas with us so I'll be busy cleaning and trying to do some last minute shopping before they arrive.

They are bringing us a very special pressie. Our Valentine!!

Mum and dad have been babysitting her for us while we get settled and boy have we missed her. My Emily spent the evening yesterday making "VALCOME HOME" signs for her. I'm sure valentine will appreciate it. =O)

Anyway, that's the update for now. I just wanted to wish you all a splendid holiday in case I don't post again until after christmas. Here's wishing you all a very merry and safe holiday!

My Poor Emily has been home for the past two days with a cold. Lot's of sneezing and coughing going on. When she is under the weather, her favorite drink is hot tea with honey. I love tea and drink it every day but Emily (my 9 yr old) only wants it when she's sick. So actually when she's sick this is a bonding time that we enjoy...drinking hot tea together. We're getting ready to cuddle and watch Little House on the Prairie. I think she'd rather be watching something starring Drake Bell (Drake & Josh, Nickelodeon) but she's indulging me. =O)

Speaking of tea...here is a collection of my "beakers".

Mum and I get several every time we go home to England for a visit.I'm so bummed because I broke one of my favorites this week. I was unpacking my cups and this one (the lid) hit the counter top and broke in two. My nan had bought this for me one year at the airport .

She passed away last year so I was pretty mad at myself. But I had to laugh because she was always breaking things when she was alive. =O) Fortunately, I think it's salvageable..

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a quiet one here due to the fact that we are away from our extended family now. Still,it was a nice day and we enjoyed eachothers' company.

I want to share with you what I'm particularly thankful for this year.

BOWLING! Who knew?

It is a challenge to find activities that we can all do together as a family. My kids range in ages 13 to 9 years old. Add to this, my middle child has cerebral palsy with limited vision. I never would have dreamed that bowling would have become our new family past time but it has! Kevvy (my cutey with cp) loves the noise and can participate with this cool ramp and the rest of us have a darned good laugh watching eachother try to knock those pins down!

The bowling alley became our oasis while we spent the past few weeks in our tiny one room hotel. It was a place to steal a few hours away plus provided the majority of our meals! I'm not kidding, bowling alley burgers are the best!

Anyway, this would have been a stronger post with real pictures of us playing and I promise I will take some once I get a compact digital camera (please santa!).I'm just excited and surprised that something so simple has brought our family such fun and bonding time. And to think I would never play as a teenager because I'd have to wear those awful shoes. hehe

Hi all! Well, this is where we are going to be calling home for the next 2-3 years. We moved in over the weekend and boy is it nice to have some room again.

It's a really cute place and I'm especially excited because I have a room I can call my own for my studio (in our last house it was one side of our bedroom). I tried to take some pictures of it before our household goods arrive in the morning.I had a hard time photographing it without a wide angle lens but maybe you get the idea. It's a room that leads you from the living room to the kitchen/dining area.

It's a decent sized room, I'll be able to squeeze everything in there...I think.

I want to put my work table, supplies, computer and book collection in here. My dilemma is, I won't be able to close it off from the world so I want to come up with a way to make it look pretty yet functional.

I have been researching on line and I'm even thinking of a computer armoire --for my art work, not computer--so that I can close it up when i'm finished working yet still have everything laying in place when I'm ready to come back to it. Then have the computer on a table and shelving unit for books. Just thinking outloud. It will be fun to plan...especially since the next few weeks it will be full of boxes that I'll want to avoid opening!

Any ideas/suggestions? I'm all eyes!

While we're talking about studio space here are some of my favorites. I love seeing other artists' studios, don't you? I'd love to be a fly on the wall in all them!

We are officially in Vegas and have been here for about two weeks now. It has been about 18 years since I lived here and boy has it GROWN! The weather is gorgeous this time of year,I had forgotten how lovely the mountain skyline can be. I will post pictures soon because I also want to show you the goodies I bought along the way from Texas to here!

We are still living in a hotel and out of suitcases. ugh..Yes, it's getting old! Hopefully that will be changing in the next week or two. We are all so ready to get back into a routine. And I'm especially ready to be cutting some felt! A lot of ideas have been brewing these past few weeks and I'm ready to play again.

I highly recommend scbwi conferences. Try to make time and save your pennies for them when you can because it is such a great opportunity to connect with like minds. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to get back to work.

For me, the gist of this conference was staying true to yourself and instead of trying to fit the market, do what YOU DO best. Basically, they can tell when it's from the heart and will work with you if they see something in you.

As far as submitting goes ... There is no black and white standards and it is all very personality driven. The job is finding the editor that your work will appeal to.

Also ,that we have to speak up for ourselves and ask meaningful questions to help us grow.

And for those of you that may be feeling like you HAVE to have an art rep to succeed, think again. I got the distinct feeling at this conference that it isn't the only way to go. If you are good, you'll get work and you will be discovered.

Hang in there gang. There is room for all of us, we just have to stick with it and be the best we can be. Focus on your work and getting it out there in a professional and eye catching manner.

Again, I want to say thanks to all of you that have taken the time to comment while I have been absent. I have missed chatting with you all and I promise i'll be visiting blogs and chatting again as soon as I'm back on my regular computer and no longer on DIAL UP! ACK!

Hello all! Well, I caved. I decided to hold on to my computer during the move. This week was the biggy. Movers came to pack our stuff. I have to tell you that this has been a major achievement for me. This was the first time in 15 years of marriage that i had to deal with the household packing without my husband and I was so nervous about it (He has been away at school for the past 30 days and comes home tomorrow,YAY!!). But the "man upstairs" was looking out for us and it turned into such a wonderful experience and I feel so empowered! Our moving crew were the best ever and I can't say enough good things about them. I know that I have made three friends and I wish them all the best.

Here is a picture of (from left to right) Victor, Baker and Bo with my son Jesse. ( I let him stay home one of the days to be an extra set of hands). Bo was the guy in charge and he really spoiled us. He even paid the kids money for "helping out" and bought US all lunch. THat has NEVER happened to us before. Lovely lovely lovely.

And not to be outdone, here is Val in the thick of things determined to stick to her lounging routine.

Sorry girl, it's got to go! I know I brag on her alot but I can't help it. She has amazed me with how well behaved she has been. For the majority of the day all the doors were open and she would just lay at the opening watching the hustle and bustle.Never once tried to run out. She's only 18 months old, Good ol' girl.

Our moving crew was supposed to be here Mon, Tues and Wednesday but were making good time and finished late last night. It made for a long two days but is so worth the peace and quiet today. Mum and I even went to a movie today to celebrate! (Mum flew out to stay with me this past month, what a blessing)

Next week we will be on the road to Las Vegas. I'll keep you posted!

For anyone who has left comments , thank you so much. I like to reply personally as often as I can but haven't had a chance this week. But I am reading and grateful for the support!

No, they've been great. We just got home from watching a great movie, "Valiant". Highly recommend it. If you enjoy the British "Office" you'll enjoy this flick because Ricky Gervais plays one of the leading voices.

So, we're home now, the girls have taken over the "fireplace room" and doing typical girly stuff.

Here's Jesse trying to impress with his smooth moves but it doesn't seem to be working.

Kevvy's the smart one. He's gone to bed and staying away from the craziness. I think I'll join you matey.

Anyway, the girls are having a great time and it's been fun to eaves drop on the conversations. Sorry, it's a secret, I can't tell. =O)

Here is a character study for a little board book idea I have. Her name is Valentine and the story is about her experience with moving to her new home. Go figure!

Time is marching on and we will soon be moving to Las Vegas. The next couple of weeks will be continuing to get the house organized and ready for the movers to pick up our stuff. Trying not to get too overwhelmed! I'm finding that I have to be careful and not think about it all too much. If I focus on TODAY instead of yesterday and tomorrow it's much easier.

As far as my illustration work , promoting has been put on hold. Usually around this time I would be sending out fall postcards but I won't have reliable contact info for several weeks so that's out. For now I will focus on personal pieces for the ol' portfolio.

They are in charge of coordinating the educational needs of the kids stuckin shelters including the Superdome. And they will distribute educationalsupplies to the evacuees as well as signing kids up for school. Even if youcannot fill a backpack, please send supplies. The teachers will thank you.

These past weeks we have been busy bees getting it buyer friendly. The biggest challenge for me is figuring out how I'm going to keep this place presentable with three children and a playful dog! It's unrealistic to think that it can stay spotless but I'm thrilled to be writing that the house has stayed very clean for over a week by simply getting organized. I've spent so much wasted energy expecting the kids to pick up after themselves just because it's "the right thing to do". I didn't realize until recently, that it's not them...it's me. Say it isn't so!

What I mean by this is that I can easily get sucked into a vacuum with the things I'm trying to accomplish - artwork,computer,blogging- and before I know it, I look around and the house is a disaster area! What happened??? So like I said, I'm a major role in this cleaning thing, and I am learning how to play manager. Make sure that they follow through on their jobs while keeping tabs on my own 'to do' list too. I'm just as guilty of not wanting to stay focused!

The biggest change was creating a daily chore list that wasn't too overwhelming for them but would help me immensely. My kids are 13,10 and 8 so are well old enough to be helping out. Each list is very specific to each child and personality.

And guess what? Now that cleaning first thing in the morning has become a priority, I have more time for freelance work and play because my mind isn't mentally blocked up with all the guilties! Just like excercising, "spend less time thinking about it and just do it already,Roz!"

So the house is clean and by golly the kids are even proud of their accomplishments. A win win situation!

We were gone most of last week so I'm a bit behind on things. Emily and Jesse went to Mississippi (12 hours from here) to spend a couple of weeks with their "pops". (kevins dad)

So, last week we (Hubby, Kevvy, Valentine and I) went to go pick them up and spend a few days visiting too.

On the drive home , I over did it on the caffeine and junkfood and suffered for a good three days with jet lag. So if I owe you an email, I'm sorry! I'll be replying shortly.

On the way back we stopped in a "Cracker Barrel" for breakfast and I found this little gem . It's an egg timer in the shape of a cake! Tine had recently posted "collections" for studio friday and I think this is the beginning to a new studio collection for me- egg timers. I showed you all the cute sheep one that I found in the UK. Unfortunately, they aren't manufacturing them right now but possibly again in August - or so I was told.

Fathers Day was on Sunday ,as you all know. For some it can be a bittersweet day as I've been reading on other blogs. I'm fortunate that I have a loving dad (pictured with Jesse below on a family reunion a couple years ago)and with his ill health I am grateful for every day that I still have him a part of my life. He has always been my biggest cheerleader. Every Sunday we chat by phone (He and mum are 10 hours away in New Mexico) and I'm blessed to hear regularly the words that every child wants to hear, "I'm so proud of you." Thanks Dad. =o)

And here is the "father" to my children, Kevin. Can I be gushy and say that I'm more in love with him today than I was when we first got married 15 years ago? I'm a lucky lucky lady. Here he is with Valentine. She has been working double time helping console us over Sugar. She really enjoyed her first road trip and handled the 12 hour drive so well.

The only scare we had was when she found herself a rattle snake in Pops' backyard!!! He lives out in the country and Emily came running in the house panicked, "There's a snake outside!"

We went out and found Val with her paws on top of it sniffing away. Thank GOD, she had found it dead. Valentine, you are a lucky girl.

As far as work, things are going slowly. I'm back to work on a couple of revisions for "Emma Felt". I have to create two new finished illustrations with Emma in braids to send with the revised dummy. I should have that finished by next week.

Also, I need to start getting focused on a new promo! Here is a sketch that I'm dabbling with. It will go through more changes I'm sure, but I thought I should show you all something work related so I can atleast appear productive.

In all honesty I'm caught in the haze of summer. All I really want to be doing is reading , dreaming and enjoying the sunshine. Everything else is taking great effort. hahahaha!

If anyone is reading a good book that they'd like to recommend, please pass it on to me! I'm open...no particular genre.

In the matter of a week life at home has become so topsy turvy. You all know about Sugar but we also found out this past week that we will be moving.

My husband is in the military and we have been stationed here for nearly three years. It's been wonderful because we have family driving distance (10 hours away, but hey that's an improvement on what it used to be!) and also my sis-in-law and her family live right here in town. The kids have loved getting to spend time with their cousins.

In a few months,we will be on our way to Las Vegas , Nevada. I lived there as a teenager and it was a great experience but I'm not going to lie to you, I don't want to move. It's going to be tough on the kids, they are very happy here.Getting them sorted plus establishing new therapy and medical services for Kevvy (my son with cerebral palsy) is going to be a challenge as it always is.

However, I'm fortunate in the fact that I can be happy anywhere. Home is where the heart is, after all. But I always have to go through this "basket case" phase first and I'm terrible at letting go. Terrible at it. I guess from having to do it all my life. My dad was military as well, you'd think I'd be used to the moves by now! But instead it brings back all the memories of the upheaval of leaving friends and routine and I'm hypersensitive to it now with my own children.

Being a firm believer that all things work together for good ,this will be good for us too. I'll come round and the kids will too.

I never would have dreamed that I would be writing about this today. The morning started like every other morning but now it's nearly the end of the day and I will be going to sleep without my beautiful Sugar laying next to my bed.

We had to make the dreaded decision this afternoon to put our gorgeous 12 year old Sugar to sleep. She had been slowly deteriorating over this past year with arthritis. But today her system started to shut down and she couldn't control her bowels. She wasn't even aware that she was doing this. We took her in for a check up and to cut a painful story short , we decided that the greatest gift we could give her was peace. Anything other than that would have been selfish.

But at this very moment , I would like to be selfish for just five more minutes so that I could give my sweet girl another kiss and a cuddle and tell her again how much we love her and how lucky that we were to have her in our life these past 12 years.

Suggie..you were such a good girl. We are going to miss you so very much. Give Biff Boy a good run for his money and give Granmamma a big kiss from us, okay?

This weekend , my family treated me like a queen and it meant so much to me. I'm so fortunate to be surrounded by people that think I'm special. That is indeed a gift and I try not to take it for granted.

Speaking of "special"- ahem-the picture you see is of MY mum. If you're wondering what she is like,well this picture says it all. It was taken this past summer when she had gone home to England for a couple of weeks. It came attached to an email for my son , Jesse.

Mum, if you ever read this, I love you! And I'm sorry but I warned you I would share this with the world one day!

This week has been pretty rough due to our little Kevin being very ill. He's been battling a flu bug for over a week and last night he didn't sleep at all and was in a great deal of pain. We had taken him to the doctor on Tuesday and were assured that it was just a nasty cold that he would have to fight through. But last night it took a turn for the worse and I was back at the clinic first thing this morning. They discovered an ear infection. So he's on antibiotics now and hopefully we'll see some improvement over the weekend. I do hope so, we all could use the sleep. =o)

I was in quite a state of worry over him because it's very difficult to pin point what's wrong due to the communication barrier. (If you're a new reader, he's my lovely little boy with cerebral palsy) .

He can comprehend what you are saying, he's very bright, but his speech is limited. My point for telling you about this is to share with you how wonderful people can be. You know how there are days where everyone's cranky , in their own little world,too busy with their own stresses ? Well not today.

I don't know how to put it into words for you, but everyone was so helpful and supportive. We were seen right away (without an appointment, mind you) ,the technicians and doctors took great care of us and people in general went out of their way to help me.

For example, Kevvy's in a wheelchair and could barely keep his head up because his fever had broken and was finally feeling tired. I was holding his head up for him (It kept drooping way down, making it hard for him to breath)while we waited for our prescription and when my name was called, a Pilot (We're military and I was at an airforce clinic) walked over to me and said , "here , I'll hold his head up for you." Normally, I would have said "oh, no that's okay, thank you" but I didn't this time and when I came back with the medicine, he was still holding his head up for me and Kevvy was letting him! This probably doesn't sound like anything major, but I tell you that act of kindness will stay with me for a lifetime.

On and on it went this morning while I was at the clinic, people smiling, opening doors for us etc. I was so grateful.

This week, I received a gift in the mail from the lovely holli of , " a girl who creates". She had been to the bookstore and when she saw this book, she thought of me and picked it up and sent it. To her that will not seem like a big deal, but for me it was. Thank you Holli! This book is created by the talented , Clare Beaton, and I am hoping to go this June to a seminar, "mazza summer Institute", where she will be one of the many fabulous presenters that week.

Also, my soul birdie arrived this week created by the sweet, Tine. Thank you, Tine, I'll send you a picture of me with it for your blog shortly!

I guess, I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter and thank you for your support and friendship. You all know who you are. I am truly blessed and I thank God every day that I have you all in my lives. That goes for all of you that take the time to read my ramblings here on the blog too! I do so appreciate your comments. They make my day.

I have never had a dog that loves to play in the rain as much as this little rascal. Since the first day we got her she has cried and whined to go outside as soon as she hears rain hitting the roof. We've had a lot of rain and this is her after a digging fest in some mud that we didn't catch until it was too late.

And while I'm showing pics of our girl , here she is in one of her other favorite positions. Lounging .

We've had a week of sick kiddos and this is where Emily has been spending most of her time. She found Val had taken her space on the chair so put the blanket over her to see what she would do. Nothing, she loves it. I know , it's shameless isn't it? hahaha

"Val, what would your brothers and sisters say if they saw you now? tsk tsk".

(Valentine is an Australian shepherd which is a 'herding' breed. We know that many of her brothers and sisters are now working with pride on farms and ranches. val on the other hand...)

Yesterday was definitely a "proud mommy" day and I wanted to share it with you. At Emily and Kevvy's school they have what's called a "character counts" rally. The entire school is brought into the lunchroom so that children that showed outstanding character for the month can be recognized. It's a lot of fun and this past month the kids in each grade level were also given a charity to fund raise. The third graders raised nearly $400.00 for a children's shelter here in San Antonio and Emily was one of two students chosen to speak about their project and to present the check to a representative. Here she is reading her speech:

" We collected one dollar donations and put the doners name on a heart. These hearts are posted on the bulletin board" (points over to the board)

Teehee! It was so cute and eventhough she had practiced all week memorizing her lines she still opted to use her piece of paper.

Kevvy was at the rally and we were so proud of him because he usually gets upset by all the clapping and noise but we watched from afar and he was an angel. Here you can see Ms. Heather (his teacher) trying to convince him to look in our direction as we take his picture.

After school Jesse comes home with a paper that he has written. It's SO SWEET. The assignment was to write a paper on someone that has been a major influence. He chose his daddy.

Here is the paper that he wrote and as you can imagine Kevin (husband) was extremely moved by it and obviously I was too. I have to say that Jesse is right. His daddy is "all that" and a bag of chips! Any single ladies out there reading this, great guys really do exist.

Click to enlarge.

Here I am with Kevin and Jesse.

Of course, the rest of the evening the kids turned back into their little stinker selves, arguing with eachother...you know being typical little farts...but then they wouldn't be real if they didn't ,would they?

We ended the evening by watching the Spongebob movie that just came out on DVD. Great end to a fun day.

They say if you can dream it, you can achieve it. Well, sometimes it's hard to know what we want to achieve. But in this instance, I know EXACTLY what I want and I thought I'd share it with you.

This past christmas while I was waiting in the parking lot of a Walgreens drugstore, I was moody and tired..rain was pouring and I was just ready to go home. It was two days before christmas and you know what a frenzy that can be. Well, all of a sudden I see this charcoal colored convertible vw bug drive into view. It was the cutest thing! And the reason it was so cute was that on the back windshield there was a cartoon of Snoopy etched into the glass smiling at me. I felt myself start smiling back instantly!

Ever since I saw the new VW bugs come out, I've been itching to get one. It's totally unrealistic, not in the budget, etc etc...but a girl can dream can't she? I've decided WHEN (I'm an optimist) the book I've written and illustrated gets published, I will buy myself this car and have the main character etched onto the back with the title of the book. teehee!

I played around in photoshop so I have a REAL visual and you just never know, it may very well come true one day. I guess you would call this my Mondo Beyondo dream that Superhero brought up on her blog in the new year.

If you look really close you can see the etching. It's a little girl named "emma felt" and she's waving at you.

My daughter is 8 going on 25. She has been keeping me in line even before she could speak. This morning I found this note (written on a paper towel)on the fridge. A detailed reminder that I had promised her that I would meet her for lunch. We have an agreement that if she can get through the week without getting her name put in the spiral (teacher has them write their name in a book when they've done something they shouldn't) or sent to the wall (kids have to sit against the school wall during recess if they don't turn in homework) I will meet and have lunch with her one day a week.

So , as you can see from the note, a lunch date was planned. I have to tell you that I didn't need this note, she had been talking about my visit for 4 days straight. hahaha!

I had to smile when I saw her "signature". What's funny is my 12 year old used to sign his full name when he was her age as well. "Happy Mothers Day! I love you. From: your son , Jesse Fulcher."

Happy valentines day to all! Remember , even if you don't have a mate, it's a wonderful day to let those you love know how much you care. Family, friends and pets count!

Speaking of which, I wanted to say a big thank you to snowbear for the valentine gifty that came in the mail recently. The package included a valentine card that she created , a kit to make my very own cut paper valentine card and a fantastic promo card to boot! Check out a book she illustrated called , "The Runaway Valentine" . Very ,very , very cute.

Here are the kiddos today.

It began with me taking a snap of Emily working on the valentine Kit that snowbear sent. Since I was taking a pic of her, I took one of my other babes too. I'm a blessed woman, I have to say.

Maybe you can see in the pic that our Kevvy is in a wheelchair. He has cerebral palsy. I wrote an article about our experience living with a beautiful child with a disability at "mom's voice" so if you're interested please click and read our story.

Hubby and I weren't very romantic this year as far as gift giving but we had fun nonetheless. We went shopping over the weekend and bought a new tv for eachother.

I'm telling you this because if you've ever heard that children enjoy the boxes that gifts come in just as much as the gift itself, it's so true. All weekend we've had to keep the tv box in the house while it has been decorated and turned into a play house. But here's the thing...not only have the kids enjoyed playing with it but the dogs decided to get in on the action.

We have a 13 yr old german shephard (white) and there's our newest addition, Valentine (1 yr old b&w australian shephard). My daughter emily had made a "bedroom" in the box and the dogs decided it was made especially for them. teehee

In loving memory of "big boy". Tandy was my mum and dads pride and joy. This past friday he was maliciously taken away from us by some evil soul that gets his/her pleasure from poisoning innocent animals.

He was the sweetest dog you could ever meet and would twirl and dance whenever it was time to eat. So cute.

I am so grateful that my children and I got to spend time with him this past holiday when mum and dad brought him when they came to visit. Tandy was six years old.

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you! I'd like to introduce you to my baby, Valentine. It's her 1 yr birthday today. See how she lets me hold her like a baby? She started doing this when she was really small and still insists on being in my lap 52 pounds later! I love her to bits but I'll be honest and tell you there have been a number of occasions that she nearly ended up in the pound !!! Ironically it was hubby that 'talked me down' when I went crazy over ANOTHER brand new shoe demolished. You see, we had agreed NO MORE PETS and I went back on that agreement. We had decided to go a few years pet free but when our 14yr old yorkshire terrier past away last year all those grand plans flew right out the window and I found myself online hunting for MY perfect puppy. It didn't take long and I found this picture online .WARNING: I do not recommend buying a dog online without 'meeting' it first.

It wasn't 'smart' but I did it anyway. I honestly tried to not want her...but it didn't work and I drove 3 hours to pick her up. Driving home with her I began to cry because I realized that It was going to be just like having a baby in the house. "WHAT HAVE I DONE???" I have three kids so I can say that ...it REALLY is similiar to having a baby. But for a puppy she has been amazingly well behaved...and smart...oh she is so smart....and funny, I've never met a dog with such character! okay.... I'll shut up now.

Long story short....Valentine is still with us and she is just like her name...a true valentine. And I know this because she even has hubby wrapped around her finger. Like I said earlier , he saved her from being sent away more times than I can count!! So ,happy birthday, my sweet val ! We love you.